Atomic Structure and Radioactivity

These flashcards cover key concepts related to atomic structure, types of decay, and the properties of subatomic particles.

What is the nucleus of an atom composed of?

Protons and neutrons.

What charge does a proton have?

+1.

What is the charge of an electron?

-1.

What is the mass of a neutron?

$1.67 imes 10^{-27}\,kg$.

What is the mass of an electron?

$9.11 imes 10^{-31}\,kg$.

What is the difference between proton number and nucleon number?

Proton number is the number of protons; nucleon number is the sum of protons and neutrons.

What is an isotope?

An atom of the same element with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

What determines the chemical properties of isotopes?

Electronic configuration.

What is specific charge?

Charge per unit mass.

What is the specific charge of a proton?

$9.58 imes 10^{7}\,Ckg^{-1}$.

What is the specific charge of an electron?

$-1.76 imes 10^{11}\,Ckg^{-1}$.

Why does an electron have the largest specific charge?

It has the largest charge to mass ratio.

What force holds protons and neutrons together in a stable nucleus?

Strong nuclear force.

What does the strong nuclear force overcome?

Proton-proton repulsion.

What is the range of the strong nuclear force?

Between 0.5 and 3 femtometers (fm).

What are the three types of radioactive decay?

Alpha, beta, and gamma.

What happens during alpha decay?

The nucleus loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

By how much does the mass number decrease after alpha decay?

By 4.

What equation represents alpha decay?

$^{X}<em>{A} ightarrow ^{Y}</em>{B} + \alpha + \beta$.

What is gamma emission?

Occurs when a particle has excess energy.

What is a photon?

A burst or packet of energy.

What is Planck's constant (h)?

$6.63 imes 10^{-34}\,Js$.

What is the speed of light (c)?

$3.00 imes 10^{8}\,m/s$.

What is the energy of a photon calculated from wavelength?

$E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}$.

How to calculate the energy of a photon with wavelength $590 \times 10^{-9}\,m$?

$E = (6.63 \times 10^{-34}) \times (5.08 \times 10^{15}) = 3.37 \times 10^{-19}$.

What is the total charge of a proton?

$1.60 \times 10^{-19}\,C$.

What is the total charge of an electron?

$-1.60 \times 10^{-19}\,C$.

What happens in beta decay?

A neutron converts into a proton and emits a beta particle.

What is the outcome of gamma decay?

Emission of gamma rays without changing the element.

How is electronic configuration related to isotopes?

Isotopes have the same electronic configuration because they have the same number of protons.

What does the term nucleon refer to?

Protons and neutrons collectively.

What is the significance of a specific charge in atoms?

It indicates charge to mass ratio and helps understand particle interactions.

Why are neutrons neutral?

They have a charge of 0.

What is the mass contribution of protons to atomic mass?

Each proton contributes approximately $1\,amu$ (atomic mass unit).

What is the role of quarks in protons and neutrons?

Protons and neutrons are composed of quarks.

What are the four fundamental forces of nature?

Gravitational, electromagnetic, weak nuclear, strong nuclear.

What is the maximum range of the strong nuclear force?

3 femtometers.

How does beta decay affect the nucleus?

Increases the atomic number by one while keeping the mass number the same.

What does the emission of a gamma photon indicate?

That the nucleus is in an excited state and is releasing excess energy.

What year is associated with the discovery of the electron?

1897.

What is the mass of a nuclide?

The sum of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus.

What does a higher specific charge indicate?

Greater reactivity in electromagnetic interactions.

What is the approximate radius of an atomic nucleus?

About 1.75 femtometers.

What is the relationship between energy and wavelength for photons?

They are inversely proportional; as wavelength increases, energy decreases.